Kuwait women are hopeful that as they are being allowed to work as paramedics in the country the overall status of women in the small Gulf country will improve. Kuwait saw its first female unit graduate on Saturday.

“This is a momentous day for all Kuwaitis, women and men, because it shows that we can improve as a country,” 21-year-old university student Isra told Bikyanews.com. She hopes to follow in the women’s footsteps and be a paramedic herself.

“I am just happy that right now we don’t have to fight for better lives in this country. Still a long way to go, but it’s a start,” she said.